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By Jennifer Garvin

The Council on Scientific Affairs at its April meeting recommended providing the public with some additional information on the oral health benefits of certain ADA Accepted mouthrinses and toothpastes.

ADA has always stressed the importance of good oral hygiene by advising consumers to:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA Accepted fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between teeth daily with an ADA Accepted floss or an ADA Accepted interdental cleaner.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between meal snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

In addition to these basic oral hygiene recommendations, consumers should be aware of the oral health benefits of other ADA Accepted products, such as certain kinds of mouthrinses and toothpastes.

The council wants consumers to know that:

• Use of an ADA Accepted antimicrobial mouthrinse or toothpaste helps prevent and reduce plaque and gingivitis.
• Use of an ADA Accepted fluoride mouthrinse helps prevent and reduce tooth decay.

Consumers should look for the ADA Seal—their assurance that the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs has found that the product meets objective, scientific criteria for safety and effectiveness.

For a list of ADA Accepted Seal Products, visit www.ada.org/goto/seal.